Emotional Support Animal Laws in Oregon

The process of getting an emotional support animal in Oregon is very much the same as getting one in other states in the United States; however, there are a few minor differences you need to remember. Including that an emotional support animal is not classified the same as a service animal which means it does not have as many rights as a service animal. This is because an emotional support animal does not have any formal training, unlike a service animal.

An emotional support animal helps someone who has a mental health problem. From anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress disorder, a furry friend can help many people with their everyday life. They help to give comfort and security to someone suffering from a mental health disability. There are laws in place to help protect emotional support animals and help their owners live their life barrier-free.

Travel Laws

Emotional support animals were once allowed to ride in the cabins of airplanes with their owners free of charge, and airlines weren’t permitted to deny them this. However, that has since changed. The Air Carrier Access Act now allows only service dogs special permission to ride in airplane cabins with their owners.

If your ESA is small enough, some airlines will allow you to bring it on board as a carry-on which you will stow under your seat. Of course, there will be a fee for this. If your emotional support animal is a dog, you may be able to train it to become a psychiatric service animal (PSA). PSAs are trained to perform tasks that relieve distress caused by mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. These dogs are protected by the Air Carrier Access act because they are classified as service dogs.

That said, airlines do have the right to make you fill out paperwork before bringing your PSA aboard their planes. These forms typically inquire about your dog’s training and also function as an agreement. You must agree that your dog will be well-behaved and that the airline can have your dog stowed in a carrier if it behaves aggressively.

Employment Laws

Unfortunately, emotional support animals are not protected under any law for employment in Oregon. A service animal has almost no restrictions in regards to employment and most public places, in fact, it is illegal to deny access to someone with a service dog. However, this is not the case for emotional support animals and thus, these laws do not protect emotional support animals.

This means your emotional support animal does not have the legal right to assist you in your workplace. Employers are not obliged to grant access to your emotional support animal, by law. However, some employers may be lenient and allow an emotional support animal in the workplace. There is no harm in asking!

Housing Laws

Housing in Oregon with an emotional support animal is protected under the Fair Housing Act. It doesn’t matter where you live, your emotional support animal can live with you. This is because the Fair Housing Act supports the equal opportunity to accommodation for all and doesn’t discriminate against anyone with an emotional support animal. This includes accommodation that has a no-pet policy. Landlords cannot deny access to an emotional support animal or charge extra for having an emotional support animal in the property. However, they do have the right to deny you access if your emotional support animal is disruptive, noisy, and causes damage.

An emotional support animal is also allowed on university campus housing so that your emotional support animal can support you with your studies. Under the Fair Housing Act, all university on-campus housing is covered meaning all universities must accommodate for you and your emotional support animal in Oregon. However, emotional support animals aren’t allowed in other parts of the University including academic buildings.

You may get asked to show proof and verification of having an emotional support animal. Reach out to us today at US Service Animals to get your ESA letter to provide you with access to air travel and fair housing.

Service Animal Laws in Oregon

Service animals are protected under the ADA and therefore, there are more guidelines and protections in place for them. Read on to learn more about some of these differences.

Psychiatric Service Dog in Oregon

A psychiatric service dog is a service dog that helps people with mental health disorders. These dogs are equipped with the training required to cater to someone’s specific needs. A psychiatric service dog can be useful for people who struggle with mental health conditions like OCD, general anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. Treating these conditions is usually done alongside medication and can be given based on a prescription.

What makes service dogs a good type of treatment for these conditions is their training. Some examples are found below:

  • Opening/closing doors 
  • Bringing people to safety
  • Finding help when someone is having a seizure
  • Encouraging someone to move around during depressive or bipolar episodes
  • Fetching medications
  • Reminding someone that it’s time for medications

Your condition can also be unique and require special training. Consult with the service dog organization you’re working with and specialized tasks can be trained.

In Oregon, service dogs are protected by law. Laws that are relevant for service dogs include those outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA). These laws protect service dogs and their owners from discrimination in public spaces, rental properties, and even private businesses.

PTSD Service Dog in Oregon

One of the best uses for a psychiatric service dog is treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The condition can cause panic attacks, depression, and other symptoms. PTSD service dogs are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of a panic attack to help people get through them. This includes getting the owner away from triggers and other dangerous situations.

PTSD service dogs are effective because of their training. Many service dogs have training to help people live independent lives, even when someone goes through a panic attack. With a PTSD service dog people don’t have to worry about having a caretaker or another person around as often.

ESA Letter

Registering your emotional support animal and getting your ESA letter couldn’t be easier with US Service Animals. Call today or schedule a call with one of our mental health professionals to talk about your situation and see if you qualify. If you do, you will be sent your ESA letter via email to print and use when needed. It is useful to have a letter on file.